There used to be three certainties in life: death, taxes, and Ivan Calderon by decision. The Puerto Rican fighter was once the epitome of lower weight class greatness and his junior flyweight title run was as impressive as it gets. Even in retirement Calderon has plenty to offer with his experience, and his advice is invaluable for the younger generation of Puerto Rican fighters on the rise.
Puerto Rican lightweight sensation Felix Verdejo is one of those fighters that benefits from Calderon’s past success.
“Felix is a Puerto Rican guy and he’s one of the pros that’s blowing up in Puerto Rico and I always have to support my fighters,” Calderon told Thaboxingvoice’s Josh Grayfer.
Calderon believes that Verdejo is one of those special fighters with the potential to become the next great Puerto Rican superstar.
“He’s got everything, he’s got the skills and what people like – his face, his smile – we just got to give him time for other people to see what he got. Four, five, or six months and we’ll be seeing him fight for a title belt.”
A problem that we’ve seen over the years with highly touted Puerto Rican prospects is their inability to live up to their hype. It’s difficult for Puerto Rican fighters because their fan base is so passionate and enthusiastic about their Nation’s fighters. Sometimes that pressure is too much for fighters and it ends up having a negative effect on their game.
Puerto Rican fans are always on the look for the next Felix “Tito” Trinidad, and some are convinced that Verdejo is that fighter. But Calderon is quick to warn against living up to a legend and instead suggests making your own.
“Everybody got their name, he’s Felix Verdejo, he’s not Tito, Tito is Tito and [Felix] is going to do his own style. I always tell him ‘don’t let them compare you with nobody, I want you to do your style.’”
Many fans are wondering how much longer Verdejo needs until he is ready for the highest level, but he is still young and Calderon is pleased with his progression so far. Still, Calderon can foresee a title shot looming for Verdejo sooner rather than later.
“They’re [moving Felix up] the way they [moved up] Miguel Cotto when he started. I think they should put a little more pressure [on fighters to fight other good fighters]. But I think they’re doing a good job, maybe in (Verdejo’s) twenty or twenty-[first] fight he’ll be fighting for a title.”
